Our top tips for quickly unpacking after a move
While it’s easy to dream about settling into your new home, the reality is moving is a big job.
That’s why unpacking is equally as important as packing.
Luckily, we’ve come up with an easy guide with step-by-step tips to:
- Stay organised
- Follow a plan
- Find help
How to organise
Tip #1 Pack to unpack
One of the best ideas we’ve found is to pack your items so that you can easily unpack them.
In other words,
- Label cartons
- Colour-code items
Then, tack on a move-in plan and you are well on the right track.
Tip #2 Map-out where furniture should go
If you took photographs and measurements of your new house ahead of time it will make it easier.
Be sure to share your move-in plan with your removalist before they start unloading.
This way everything ends up in the correct place.
Tip #3 Make unpacking your priority
If you want to settle in your new home quickly you have to take unpacking seriously.
It may take an entire day, or more, to feel comfortable, but if you don’t tackle each job right away, it will only stretch out the process.
Following your plan
Step #1 Check your inventory list
This involves going room-by-room, checking off that all of your furniture and cartons arrived.
Your removalist will likely have an inventory list, but it’s also a good idea to have your own.
If it appears that anything is missing, tell your removalist right away.
Step #2 Locate your priority carton
From the beginning, you will want to make sure you know where your priority carton is. That is the carton you filled with all of your necessary belongings such as:
- A change of clothing
- Non-perishable food
- Personal items
In other words, things you need right away.
Extra tip! While you can use this food for snacking, consider grabbing take-out meals the first couple of days.
Step #3 Sort your belongings
Now it’s time to start sorting through the rest of your belongings.
If you colour-coded and labelled your cartons while packing, this should be easy.
Extra tip! For easy identification, label the sides of cartons in case they’re stacked.
Step #4 Start with the largest items
Give priority to your largest furniture and belongings. You will want to start unpacking and setting up these items first, following the floor plan you set up before your move.
If you already have it mapped out it will make the process much easier and you won’t have to repeatedly move heavy items.
Which room should be first?
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t despair.
Start with the bedrooms!
Getting your bedroom set up is important because you will surely be exhausted by the end of the day.
Make sure you know where your bedding is, too.
Extra tip! If you’ve separated hanging clothes into portable wardrobe cartons you’ll find it very simple to easily move them into your closets.
Tackle the kitchen!
One of the other big rooms you’ll want to set up quickly is the kitchen.
First, check to see that major appliances are hooked up, and then begin unpacking things like the toaster, microwave and coffeemaker.
The Bathroom is next
The next room to get in line is the bathroom. You’ll definitely want to have the opportunity to clean up at the end of a long moving day.
Take out your essential medications, hang up a shower curtain and make sure you have any personal items handy, like soap and shampoo.
Extra tip! If these essentials are packed in the priority carton they will be easy to find.
Time for the living room
The next room on the list is the main living room.
The good news is, you’ll likely have a lot of your big furniture, like couches, bookcases and end tables here, so a lot of the hard work in unpacking comes with simply getting the furniture through the front door.
Extra tip! If you took photographs before moving and used cable ties for electronic cords they will be easier to re-assemble in your new home.
Additional rooms
If you don’t have kids and only have a spare bedroom to contend with, you can hold off on setting up the guest bedroom right away.
That goes for organizing the garage, as well.
Tips for staying on track:
Overall, it’s important to stay focused when it comes to unpacking.
- Set small goals
For example, commit to two hours of hard work before taking a break.
- Set your speed
How fast you unpack is up to you. If you wish to unpack quickly, though, you need to stay motivated.
- Don’t procrastinate
Keep tabs on how many times you tell yourself you’ll do something “tomorrow”. Instead, make it today.
Know where to find help
If the job of unpacking seems like too much, you can always hire an expert.
A professional removalist not only can pack up your old home, but also unpack in your new home.
This could mean anything from unpacking one room to unpacking everything, and then taking the empty cartons away.
You can also call on friends or family members.
- Turn on some music
- Order some food
- Have fun!
Obviously, moving is a big job and asking for help, or hiring help, can be a real lifesaver.
I’ve unpacked. What now?
Once everything is unpacked and in place:
- Double-check your empty cartons
- Recycle or give away packing materials
Remember, moving is a process, but if you:
- Organise
- Use a plan
- Ask for help
You are sure to have a successful move, with a quick unpack and plenty of time to enjoy your new home!